Thursday, April 21, 2011

Moments worth Blogging About...

It’s not often that I write in the first person, but I wanted to share with you a recent comment from a reader regarding a post on Farida Khelfa, whom I’ve always considered a fashion icon. This site has always been about a diversity of voices and a venue for connecting like minded individuals. At the same time it’s about encouraging and supporting talent from the region and it’s Diaspora, while thinking critically and changing perceptions.

I thank Emma for posting her comment because it reinforces what The Polyglot is about:

Emma has left a new comment on your post "Flashback: Farida Khelfa captured by Jean-Paul Gou...":

“I just wanted to thank you. Why? Because I am French and of Arabian descent. Well I have been adopted and raised by white people in a very white environment but I remember one thing: I was a kid and watching tv documentary about fashion and suddenly I saw her, Farida Khelfa. But it was too fast and I couldn’t catch her name. I was amazed. An Arabian woman in fashion? So it is possible to be seen as beautiful when brown? At that time and also a bit now, not a lot of Arabian women in France were shown in a positive, and glamorous light, but I remembered until now (I am 29) Khelfa's profile, her face and how classy she was. I have been searching for that picture since then but my poor knowledge in fashion (let s be honest, it is not my main interest...) and the lack of coverage in mainstream media in France made me fail in that search until now. Thank you for bringing another idea of beauty in your blog, it really helps girls like me who always had a problem with the color of our skin and our different facial features and were raised surrounded by white princesses. You probably don't care but I just needed to say it. thanks”

About Me

The Polyglot was launched in 2007 in response to Condé Nast’s decision to not publish a Middle East edition of Vogue.
The purpose of this site is to change perceptions about the Middle East and its Diaspora, by bridging cultures through a shared appreciation for art, fashion and design.
Through cultural commentary, historical references and interviews with creative individuals shaping the region, the hope is to create a venue for cultural understanding and the exchange of ideas.
The Polyglot is a writer, educator and curator, whose work has appeared in various publications including Harper's Bazaar Arabia, Muraqqa, BROWNBOOK, Aramco World and Dia Magazine. The Polyglot serves as a venue for unedited versions of his published work as well as new material.
Contact The Polyglot at z.polyglot@gmail.com